Photo: everydayhealth.com Pigment spots on the hands are a common problem that causes a person some inconvenience and self-doubt. In most cases, its appearance is caused by age-related changes occurring in the body, but other provoking factors should not be excluded.
Pigmentation on the hands can vary, both in color and size. It can occur on the hands, forearms and elbows. The edges of the “islands” are in most cases uneven. In addition, changes in shade can occur both in the upper layers of fabrics and much deeper. And in the second case, coping with it can be much more difficult. At the same time, the decisive factor on which the choice of method of influencing the epidermis to even out its tone depends is its color, which can be either different shades of brown or completely white.
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Causes of age spots on hands
Brown pigment spots on hands
The reasons for the appearance of dark pigmentation on the hands, and subsequently the methods for treating it, are different. In most cases, factors contributing to the manifestation of this disease can be called:
- solar or ultraviolet exposure, during which epidermal cells are damaged and the process of melanin production fails;
- age-related changes, which also lead to disruption of cell function, and therefore the production of the optimal amount of melanin;
- genetic predisposition;
- frequent contacts with potent chemical substances;
- use of low-quality cosmetics;
- disruption of the functioning of internal organs, and most often the gastrointestinal tract;
- hormonal imbalance;
- insufficient amount of vitamins, macro- and microelements required for normal functioning of the body.
White pigment spots on hands
The main cause of white pigmentation on the hands, which in medicine is called hypopigmentation, is the lack of melanin production by cells in this area of tissue. This phenomenon can be either congenital or acquired, and can be caused by various diseases, namely:
- vitiligo – destruction of melanocytes due to improper functioning of the immune system;
- pityriasis versicolor or fungus;
- idiopathic guttate hypomelanosis, which is a congenital disease that begins to manifest itself with age;
- a pigmentless nevus or a light area of tissue that is present on the human body from birth, and which can lead to the formation of a tumor;
- Lichen alba is a non-dangerous disease characterized by the appearance of small, light, scaly areas with unclear contours. Goes away on its own over time.
Thus, only a doctor after a full medical examination can answer the question of what causes white or brown pigmentation on the hands. It is almost impossible to independently find out the reason for the change in skin tone.
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When to see a doctor
The fact that dark pigmentation on the hands can appear not only after 45 years, but at a younger age, makes the fact of going to the doctor with such a problem very common. Dark or light on a part of a person’s body that is open to prying eyes is not just personal discomfort, but the formation of a complex.
And going to see a doctor is the right decision, since independently determining the cause of the defect, and even more so the method of treating it, is almost impossible. In most cases, in addition to external influence on areas of the epidermis that are different in color, a more serious approach is required - taking medications.
Preventive measures
The simplest and most effective way to help avoid the premature appearance of age spots is to minimize exposure to sunlight on your skin. In the summer, it is best to refrain from prolonged exposure to the open sun, the rays of which should not fall on the most problematic areas of the body - hands and face.
Next, the diet is taken under control, which should be enriched with food rich in vitamins. Recent studies have shown that regularly eating foods containing vitamins E and C significantly reduces the risk of age spots both at a young age and at a later age.
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How to remove age spots on hands
After pigmentation has appeared on the hands, you need to choose the right method of exposure to even out the shade of the epidermis. Dealing with brown defects is easier than dealing with a complete lack of skin color. Depending on the type and intensity of these manifestations, a person can decide for himself whether to eliminate the problem at home, seek help from a cosmetologist, or go straight to the clinic. Basically, the solution to the problem is to:
- taking medications;
- the use of special creams;
- turning to traditional medicine recipes;
- balanced proper nutrition;
- carrying out salon procedures;
- surgical intervention.
Very rarely, evening out the color of the epidermis is possible only by transplanting its cells or entire sections. In most cases, this disease is treated without surgical intervention.
Hand creams for age spots
The action of such creams is aimed at lightening the epidermis. The most commonly used cream options include:
- melanative;
- clotrimazole;
- skinoren.
These formulations are based on substances such as tretinol or hydroquinone, which are supplemented with arbutin or carotene. Fruit acids are often added to formulations for such purposes. But it must be remembered that any of the included components can cause an allergic reaction and before direct use it must be tested on a small area of the body.
Diet
Switching to proper nutrition has a beneficial effect on eliminating pigmentation of the hands, elbows and forearms. First of all, it must be balanced and contain all the necessary nutrients, vitamins, macro- and microelements that are required for the normal functioning of the body. In order to ensure this, you need to exclude a large number of fatty and fried foods from the diet, introduce more vegetables and fruits, fish, lean meats and dairy products. This will help reduce the load on the liver and allow it to fully cope with the function of removing carcinogens, which largely determines the appearance of the skin.
Medicines
If the causes of skin pigmentation on the hands are disturbances in the functioning of internal organs, then getting rid of existing diseases can be called paramount. Most often, when dark or light areas of the epidermis appear, the kidneys and liver need support at the same time. Treatment of the endocrine system and stimulation of the body’s general immunity are also very often required. After a complete examination, the doctor will prescribe a course of taking certain medications. The larger the number of organs that fail to cope with their work, the larger the list.
After completing a course of treatment and eliminating problems associated with disruption of the internal organs, existing dark or light spots will not disappear on their own. Additional procedures may be required to even out the color. Depending on the existing defect, these procedures can be carried out at home using special products, or you can contact a cosmetologist who will select a list of procedures that will simultaneously quickly and effectively help cope with the existing problem.
Whitening masks
Whitening masks are the most powerful way to remove age spots. The principle of their action is simple - under the influence of certain substances, pigmentation becomes less and less pronounced. As a result, the pigment spot becomes almost invisible. By the way, this is why all products without exception must be applied exclusively to spots - otherwise, pigmentation on other areas of the skin will become increasingly lighter. And, as a result, age spots will still be noticeable.
- Lemon-egg mask
Lemon is a fairly well-known bleaching agent, so it would be foolish not to use it to remove age spots. To prepare the mask you will need half a fresh lemon and one egg white. Mix the protein and lemon juice in any non-metallic container, using a mixer or blender, or whisk very thoroughly until a dense, thick foam forms.
Apply the resulting mask to age spots and cover with plastic wrap. Leave the mask on for 30 minutes and then rinse with running water. If you feel an excessively strong burning sensation, the mask must be washed off immediately. And if after the mask the skin is too red, next time before applying the mass, lubricate the skin with any vegetable oil, reduce the exposure time of the mask to 10 minutes.
It is enough to do this mask twice a week for a month to make age spots disappear. If the pigmentation is very strong, the course can be repeated again, but only after a week's break to give the skin a chance to rest.
- Dill mask
A mask made from fresh dill can be no less effective. To prepare it you will need 50 grams of fresh dill and half a lemon. Pour boiling water over the dill and pass through a meat grinder; squeeze the juice from the lemon. Mix the juice with dill and apply to age spots. Cover the top of the mask with gauze and leave for about 15 minutes.
If you feel too much burning, wash off the mask sooner. And in any case, after the mask, be sure to apply some moisturizer or sour cream to your skin. This mask can be done every other day for one month. Although, as practice shows, in a month there will be no trace of pigment spots left.
- Starch-lemon mask
If age spots are very strong, you can try a more concentrated lemon mask. But remember to protect your skin! First, be sure to apply any vegetable oil to your skin before using the mask. Secondly, do not keep the mask on longer than prescribed - no more than 7 minutes. Thirdly, do not forget to apply a moisturizer after the mask.
So, to prepare the mask itself you will need one tablespoon of starch, half a lemon and two tablespoons of water, one teaspoon of vegetable oil for treating the skin. Dilute the starch with water - you should get a creamy paste. Add lemon juice to it and mix thoroughly again. Apply oil to age spots, then apply a thick layer of the mask. Cover the top with plastic wrap and leave for 15 minutes.
Then rinse off the mask with cool water and do not forget to lubricate your skin with plastic wrap. This mask can be done no more than twice a week and no longer than one month in a row. If you fail to get rid of age spots within a month, the course of treatment can be repeated. But first you need to take at least a week's break.
- White clay mask
Buy white clay at the pharmacy - it will also help get rid of age spots. In addition to the clay for the mask, you will need the juice of half a lemon and some water. Dissolve the clay with water to a creamy consistency, then add lemon juice and mix everything thoroughly again.
Apply the resulting mixture to age spots, cover with plastic wrap and leave for 20 minutes. If you feel too much burning, wash off the mask immediately, because it is not suitable for you due to very sensitive skin. After this, lubricate the treated areas with moisturizer. This mask can be done three times a week, no longer than two weeks in a row.
- Dandelion root mask
This mask is very, very effective, but be careful with it so as not to damage the skin. You can make this mask no more than once a week! To prepare the mask you will need a third of a fresh cucumber, two dandelion roots, one tablespoon of lemon juice and a spoon of natural honey.
Peel the cucumber and grate it, rinse the dandelion root and pass through a meat grinder. Mix all ingredients, after adding lemon juice and honey. Lubricate age spots with vegetable oil and apply a mask. Its exposure time should not exceed 15 minutes. Then rinse your skin with cool water and apply moisturizer. If during the procedure you feel too much burning, or if signs of irritation appear on the skin, you should discard this mask. Obviously your skin is too sensitive.
The effectiveness of salon procedures
Today, almost all cosmetology offices and dermatology clinics are equipped with special equipment and preparations, the action of which is aimed at quickly and effectively combating age spots on the hands. One of the most common procedures is laser stain removal. This method is absolutely safe and effective, and also has virtually no contraindications.
Less effective, but at the same time more affordable methods are removing age spots on the hands with liquid nitrogen, infrared treatment or peeling, which is based on fruit acids. The choice of removal method is made by a cosmetologist or dermatologist, depending on:
- localization of the problem area;
- shape, size and number of spots;
- reasons that caused the problem to occur.
The principle of operation of cosmetic whitening products
Remedies for age spots on the face and body contain substances that block the production of melanin. Because of this, the darkening of individual areas is less noticeable.
Cosmetics contain natural ingredients, some can be replaced with homemade analogues, but the effect is lower due to the fact that their composition is not balanced.
In order for the fight against hyperpigmentation to be successful, it is necessary to eliminate the factors that lead to its appearance. If these are genetic reasons, then it is impossible to influence them; you can only somewhat smooth out the external manifestations. Several steps are used to whiten areas with hyperpigmentation.
By choosing the right remedy for age spots on the face, you can get rid of this problem.
At the first stage, the top layer of the integument is exfoliated using peeling, the active components of which are:
- salicylic alcohol;
- phenol;
- ointment with mercury;
- hydroacids.
In the second stage, melanin synthesis is blocked; this task is aided by:
- hydrogen peroxide;
- hydroquinone arbutin;
- some acids (kojic, ascorbic).
The ointment, designed to combat skin problems at home, reduces the synthesis of melanin and also destroys the cells that produce pigment. It is necessary to study the composition of cosmetic products so as not to harm the skin.
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Prevention
In order for pigmentation on the hands and forearms to remain unaffected by the problem, it is necessary to observe certain precautions, the main ones of which include:
- moderate consumption of coffee and tea;
- timely diagnosis and treatment of diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
- using only high-quality cosmetics;
- selection of sunscreens;
- moderate exposure to direct sunlight and visiting a solarium.
Thus, if such problems do arise, and it is not possible to solve the issue of pigmentation on the hands at home, you need to consult a dermatologist. He, in turn, after examination and medical examination, will prescribe the optimal course of therapy and give all the required recommendations that will need to be followed in the future.
Interesting facts about pigmentation
- Turning to traditional medicine can also help cope with the presence of brown pigment spots. So, for example, mixing a few drops of lemon juice with regular baby cream when applied in the morning and evening whitens the skin very well.
- Most often, the appearance of dark areas of skin due to hormonal imbalance occurs during pregnancy or taking hormonal medications.
- Positive reviews for the treatment of dark age spots on the hands include Idealia PRO from Vichy and Achromin from Alen Mak-Bulgaria.
Varieties of dark pigmentation
Toxic reticular melanosis often appears in those who have to work for a long time with:
- oil;
- resin;
- oil;
- coal;
- tar.
Such activity products contribute to toxicity of the body, which is manifested by the appearance of black spots on the skin, as well as the deterioration of the patient’s condition as a whole.
Becker's nevus is a dark spot with a ragged outline, gradually increasing in diameter. Teenage boys (10-15 years old) are most susceptible to such formations. Nevi mainly form on the legs, back and chest. The causes of Becker's nevus are associated with hormonal changes in men.
